Health

Last Updated on Thursday, 28 July 2016 20:42

Monongahela Valley Hospital is sponsoring a variety of informative programs this month. Many of the events will be held in the hospital’s Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center (ECC) unless otherwise noted.

Monday, August 1 – Breast Cancer Support Group

2 – 4 p.m., Hospital, 7-East Family Room. This support group is free and open to all breast cancer patients and their families. The group meets the first Monday of each month. For more information, call

724-258-1700.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, August 2, 3 and 4 – Managing Your Diabetes

8:30 – 11:30 a.m., ECC. This education program is designed to help you with diabetes self-management. You will learn, “What is diabetes?” Other topics include the importance of controlling your blood sugars, diabetes medications, lifestyle changes, meal planning and methods to reduce your risk of complications. The program is three consecutive days. Registration is required at least one week prior to the start date of class by calling 724-258-1483.

Thursday, August 4 – Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For You?

6 p.m., ECC. Bariatric surgery is an option for people wanting to lose 100 pounds or more. This free information session is designed to give those individuals struggling with weight loss the facts to choose their best option. To learn if you are a candidate for this surgery, join Hiram Gonzalez, M.D., as he discusses this topic in detail. To register, call 724-258-1333.

Monday, August 8 – Suicide Bereavement Support Group

1 – 2:30 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m., ECC. This support group is a four-month program that meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month. This program is led by a licensed psychologist and is free and open to all those touched by suicide. Registration is required. To register, call 724-268-1144.

Tuesday, August 9 – RSDS Support Group

6 - 8 p.m., ECC. The Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS) Support Group is free and open to all persons with RSDS or related illnesses. For more information, call 724-929-9492.

Tuesday, August 9 – Alzheimer’s Support Group

6 - 8 p.m., ECC. This free support group meets once a month. It is designed to help the family members, friends and caregivers of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Discussion topics include the challenges of coping with this disorder as well as techniques for managing stress and methods of encouraging social engagement. Reservations are requested by calling 724-258-1333.

Wednesday, August 10 – Community CPR Instruction Heartsaver AED Course

11 a.m., Mon-Vale HealthPLEX. Adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes are offered by Monongahela Valley Hospital in conjunction with Rostraver EMS. The fee for the class is $35 to cover the class and required materials. To register, call 724-872-9200.

Wednesday, August 10 – Prostate Cancer Support Group

6 – 8 p.m., ECC. All prostate cancer patients, families and caregivers are invited to attend this free support group. For more information, call 724-292-9404.

Friday, August 12 – MVH Blood Drive

9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., ECC. Monongahela Valley Hospital, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, is sponsoring a blood drive to benefit local patients. Free parking is available. For more information or to register, call 724-494-4090 or visit redcrosslife.org.

Monday, August 15 - Cancer Support Group

2 p.m., Hospital, 7-East Family Room. This support group is free and open to all cancer patients and their families. The group meets the third Monday of each month. For additional information, call

724-258-1704.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, August 16, 17 and 18 – Managing Your Diabetes

6 – 9 p.m., ECC. This education program is designed to help you with diabetes self-management. You will learn, “What is diabetes?” Other topics include the importance of controlling your blood sugars, diabetes medications, lifestyle changes, meal planning and methods to reduce your risk of complications. The program is three consecutive days. Registration is required at least one week prior to the start date of class by calling 724-258-1483.

Thursday, August 18 - Ostomy Support Group

2 – 3:30 p.m., ECC. This support group is free and open to all persons with ostomies and their families and friends. The group meets the third Thursday of each month. For more information, call

724-258-1773.

Monday, August 22– Suicide Bereavement Support Group

Wednesday, August 24 – Advanced Carbohydrate Counting

6 – 8 p.m., ECC. This program is a diabetes self-management class designed to educate you on how to count carbohydrate content of food to improve blood sugar control. Topics include how to track effects of carbohydrates and blood sugar, your glycemic index and how to read food nutrition labels. Registration is required at least one week prior to the start of class by calling 724-258-1483.

Thursday, August 25 – Stroke Support Group

1 – 2:30 p.m., ECC. The Stroke Support Group is designed for patients and caregivers to share, learn and grow with people who can personally relate to the daily challenges and struggles they face dealing with strokes and their after-effects. The group meets the last Thursday of each month. For more information, call 724-258-1455.

Thursday, August 25 – Healthy Eating Supermarket Tours

6 – 8 p.m., Finleyville Giant Eagle, 3701 Route 88, Finleyville. Learn heart healthy eating at the supermarket to manage a healthier lifestyle. Health care professionals from Monongahela Valley Hospital will conduct the tours and discuss “Heart Healthy Eating.” The program is free, but space is limited. Advance registration is required by calling 724-258-1483.

Thursday, August 25 - Infant and Child CPR Class

6 - 9 p.m., ECC. Learn how to help a choking baby or small child. Sign up to learn emergency life-saving techniques of clearing airway obstructions and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The $40 fee is payable to VHSTC and advance registration is required by calling the Valley Health and Safety Training Center at 724-684-9536.